Negotiating with Porto proved futile last summer when the Blues tried to sign wing-back Pereira, with Pinto da Costa reportedly still smarting from Villas-Boas' decision to quit the Estadio do Dragao for Stamford Bridge.

If there had been a problem between them, they appear to have buried the hatchet, with Pinto da Costa having invited Villas-Boas to watch the Portuguese champions' Europa League defeat at Manchester City last week.

"I was very proud to be invited by Pinto da Costa to sit next to him," said Villas-Boas, who played down suggestions the move was an attempt to lure him back to Portugal.

Pride

"Returning to Porto will always be a huge source of pride, but right now I am completely motivated with my work at Chelsea."

An improved relationship between Villas-Boas and Pinto da Costa would certainly not hurt Chelsea in any future transfer negotiations.

The Blues have been linked with midfielder Moutinho as well as a renewed bid for Pereira.

Villas-Boas said: "They could surely play in the Premier League and at Chelsea."